Rent control laws limit how much landlords can raise rent in certain areas. Right now, you’ll mostly find rent control in places like California, New York, Oregon, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia.
These laws keep housing costs a bit more stable for renters—especially in cities where demand is wild.
Not every state is on board with rent control. In fact, lots of states actually block cities from making these rules.
Where rent control does exist, you’ll usually see limits on rent hikes and some protection against sudden evictions. This can matter a lot in cities where housing prices shoot up fast.
You might be surprised how much rent control can differ even within the same state. Some cities are strict, others barely have any rules at all.
If you’re trying to figure out your next move, knowing where rent control is in play can really help.
Key Takeaways
- Rent control mostly pops up in a handful of states and cities.
- These rules put a cap on rent increases and offer some tenant protections.
- The details can be wildly different depending on where you are.
Current U.S. States With Rent Control Laws
A few states have laws to limit how much landlords can raise rent. The scope and rules vary a lot.
They often include caps on rent hikes and extra protections for tenants.
California
In California, rent control is mostly for older buildings. The usual limit is 5% plus inflation per year, but it can’t go over 10%.
The Tenant Protection Act of 2019 covers buildings over 15 years old. Newer places and most single-family homes don’t have to follow these rules.
Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland have their own stricter rent control laws. So if you’re in one of those cities, expect even tighter limits.
Eviction protections are part of the deal too. Landlords can only evict for specific reasons under this law.
New York
New York’s rent control is famous, especially in New York City. It mostly covers apartments built before 1974.
There are two programs here: rent control and rent stabilization. Rent control covers very few units now, but rent stabilization applies to most apartments built between 1947 and 1974.
Rent stabilization sets yearly rent increase limits, decided by a state board. Tenants also have the right to renew their leases and get other protections.
New Jersey
New Jersey doesn’t have statewide rent control. Instead, local governments can make their own rules.
Cities like Newark and Jersey City have local ordinances that usually tie rent increases to inflation or set a small percentage cap.
Local rent control often means some eviction protections too. Your rights really depend on your city, so it’s smart to check the local laws.
City-Level Rent Regulations in Other States
Some states let cities create their own rent control rules, but the details can be all over the place.
It’s important to know how these local rules work and what the state allows.
Maryland
Maryland actually bans rent control statewide. No city or county can make rent control laws.
The state law blocks local governments from capping rent or regulating prices directly. So if you’re renting in Maryland, don’t expect city-specific rent caps.
Protections for renters come from other laws, like eviction rules or lease agreements. Rent control just isn’t an option here.
Oregon (Statewide and Local Policies)
Oregon passed the first statewide rent control law in 2019. Landlords can’t raise rent by more than 7% plus inflation each year, no matter the city.
Cities can add extra rules, like how much notice landlords have to give before raising rent. But they can’t set stricter rent caps than the state.
So, if you’re renting anywhere in Oregon, the rent increase limit is the same statewide. Local rules might tweak how notices work, but the main cap is set.
Key Features of Rent Control Policies
Rent control sets limits on how much landlords can charge and spells out which properties are covered. The details can really vary, including what’s covered and what’s not.
Knowing these details helps you figure out if rent control affects your place or not.
Types of Rent Control
There are two big types: hard caps and rent stabilization.
- Hard caps are a fixed limit on how much rent can go up—usually a set percentage or dollar amount. Landlords can’t go over that, even if the market goes nuts.
- Rent stabilization lets rent go up a little each year, usually tied to inflation or a government index. It’s a bit more flexible for landlords, but still protects tenants from big jumps.
Some places mix these features. Most rent control laws only apply to older buildings, not new ones.
Exemptions and Limitations
Not every rental is covered by rent control. Common exemptions:
- New buildings built after a certain date
- Single-family homes or small owner-occupied buildings
- Subsidized or government-owned housing
Some policies only cover you for your first lease, or they end if the building is sold.
It’s worth checking your local rules—these details decide if your place is protected or if your landlord can charge whatever they want.
Impact and Recent Developments in Rent Control
Rent control laws have shifted a lot in the last few years. Some states have rolled out new protections, while others are still debating what’s fair.
Legislation Changes Since 2020
Since 2020, a handful of states have passed new rent control laws or expanded what’s already there. California, Maryland, and Minnesota have all made moves to limit rent hikes and give tenants more eviction protections.
In 2024 alone, 22 rent control bills became law across different states. But even with all this activity, 33 states still block local governments from making rent control rules.
So, depending on where you live, the rules could be totally different.
Legal Challenges and Repeals
Some rent control laws end up in court. Landlords and property groups usually claim these laws shrink the housing supply or mess up the rental market.
Sometimes, courts have tossed out local rent control rules for going beyond what the state allows. In a few places, cities have even repealed or scaled back rent control after facing legal or political heat.
It’s honestly a tug-of-war—protecting renters versus keeping the housing market healthy. Who knows how these legal battles will play out? If you’re following rent rules, it’s worth keeping an eye on these twists and turns.
